Hard Ground Season: Lower-Leg Care on Dry Footing
Hard Ground Season: Lower-Leg Care on Dry Footing
Q3 Theme: Conditioning

Hard Ground Season: Lower-Leg Care on Dry Footing

Dry, packed footing ups the impact on tendons and joints. Here’s a no-drama plan to keep legs tight, minds quiet, and tomorrow’s ride on track.

Why Dry Footing Stresses Legs

Less give means more rebound through the limb. Micro-impacts stack up with speed, tight turns, and big efforts. The antidote: shorter sets, cleaner cool-downs, and sensation-free support that fits your program.

Your Hard-Ground Day Plan

  1. Warm up shorter. Hand-walk 2–3 minutes, then ease into work with straight lines and wide turns.
  2. Mind the lines. Ride the groomed lanes; avoid baked ruts and sharp turns at speed.
  3. Targeted support pre-ride. Smooth on a thin layer of Draw It Out® 16oz High Potency Gel to known hotspots. Allow to absorb before tacking.
  4. Cool down completely. Walk 3–5 minutes. Hose or sponge legs, squeegee, and towel to damp-dry.
  5. Cooling pass. Mist Cryospray along tendons and large muscle groups as directed.
  6. Recheck & (optional) compression. If puff shows up, apply clean, even standing wraps and recheck at 30–45 minutes.
  7. Spot-target. For stubborn zones post-ride, many riders reach for MasterMudd™ EquiBrace.
Pro tip: On bone-dry weeks, trade one “big” day for two smarter, shorter schools. Consistency beats hero sets.

Common Mistakes to Skip

  • Skipping the cooldown because “it was a short ride.” (Short rides still load limbs.)
  • Wrapping over damp legs. (Moisture + pressure = problems.)
  • Chasing puff with tight wraps instead of rest, cooling, and recheck.
  • Turning hard in baked corners; keep turns wider and slower.

Rider-Favorite Products

FAQs

How do I know if the footing is too hard today?
Kick the surface: if your boot barely dents it, assume higher impact and shorten sets. If in doubt, ride earlier/later when moisture is better.
Should I wrap every hard-ground day?
Not automatically. Use wraps thoughtfully on clean, dry legs when puffiness warrants it, and always recheck at 30–45 minutes.
When do I call the vet?
If heat or swelling spreads, your horse is sore to the touch, or movement changes, pause work and consult your veterinarian.

Always follow label directions. Patch-test new products. If swelling, heat, or lameness persists, consult your veterinarian.

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